The 10 Best Handheld Steam Cleaners
Nov 2018

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Your Guide To
Buying a Handheld Steam Cleaner

By Sharon Lim

While some stains can be removed simply by picking it off or wiping it with a damp towel, tougher stains require more than just that. That’s where steam cleaners come in as they bring the added element of heat to help get tougher stains out of fabrics, off the tiles, or wherever they happen to be. Most steam cleaners, however, are too expensive for day-to-day home use (just check out the rental prices for steam carpet cleaners). Fortunately, there are handheld models available on the market that are much more affordable. Most importantly, they can do most of the same things as their larger, more expensive counterparts. If you’re interested in picking out a steam cleaner to use in your home, here are some things to look out for.

Here are some things that people raise in their reviews of their steam cleaners:

Heating speed: The best models heat up quickly so that you can start cleaning fast.

Consistency: Great steam heaters are consistent in several ways: they provide a steady amount of steam throughout the cleaning process, and just as importantly, they heat evenly and consistently.

Amount of steam provided: This is mostly related to the size of the cleaner’s water tank: a good model will have a tank that is big enough to produce sufficient steam to finish most jobs, but without being too heavy to carry around.

Accessories: Many steam cleaners come with extras, such as fabric brushes. The best models’ accessories are carefully chosen—they’re ones you’ll actually use, and not just leave lying in the storeroom—and designed to do their jobs right.

Tank Size: When you’re looking at a cleaner’s specifications, be sure to pick one that comes with a tank that’s big enough to do the jobs you need completed, but not so big that it becomes burdensome.

Attachments: If you have specific cleaning needs that require an attachment or two, make sure that they are included with your cleaner. If you don’t need anything specialized, you can save yourself a little money by searching for a more general model.

Water only/chemical: Many steam cleaners are designed to work with just hot water, while others allow users to add chemical detergents to the mix (usually in a separate tank). If you plan on just using steam, the distinction isn’t quite as important, but if you know you’re going to use chemical cleaners, be sure to pick a model that allows you to do so.

Power cord length: This is an easy one to overlook. Even the best steam cleaner isn’t going to do you much good if you can’t get it to the stain, so be sure to pick a model that comes with a power cord long enough to fit your house’s needs.

Bissell: Bissell is an American manufacturer and retailer of cleaning products since 1876. The company entered the powered cleaning device market in the mid-20th century, and has been a leading company in the marketplace ever since.

McCulloch: McCulloch is an American power tools company. Founded in 1943, the company first achieved repute for its chainsaws. It has since added other powered equipment to its offerings, including a variety of cleaning tools.

Conair: Conair is an American company that produces a variety of household goods. Founded in 1959, the company is perhaps best known for its line of appliances for beauty and grooming, but they also produce a number of products to help people take care of their clothes, including handheld fabric steamers.

Dirt Devil: Dirt Devil is an American vacuum cleaner company, which origins can be traced back to 1905. Today, the company produces a wide range of vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, and cleaning accessories.

Hoover: As a company, Hoover is practically synonymous with vacuum cleaners. Founded in 1907, the company has long since established itself as a worldwide leader in the vacuum cleaner market, offering a wide range of cleaners for practically every need.